Post harvest management of Sunflower

Group 01
introduction
Sunflower is a popular crop grown in Tanzania due to its adaptability to different climatic
conditions. The country's favorable temperatures and fertile soils create an ideal
environment for sunflower cultivation. Tanzanian farmers cultivate sunflower for its oil-rich
seeds, which are used in cooking, cosmetics, and biodiesel production
Common uses

 Edible Seeds
 Ornamental
 Livestock Feed
 Biofuel Production
 Soil Improvement:
Good quality sunflower grain
 - it typically refers to the absence of impurities such as foreign seeds, debris, and
damaged kernels.
 - most buyers prefer sunflower grains with 92.8% level of purity
 Moisture Content
 - The best quality sunflower as measured by a moisture meter should have a
moisture content of 7-8%
 Shelling Percentage of sunflower
 The shelling percentage of sunflower grains refers to the proportion of edible kernels
obtained after removing the outer shell or husk. The shelling percentage can vary
depending on factors such as sunflower variety, growing conditions, and processing
techniques. On average, the shelling percentage of sunflower grains ranges from 40%
to 60%. This means that for every 100 grams of sunflower heads harvested,
approximately 40 to 60 grams of edible kernels can be obtained. Achieving a higher
shelling percentage is desirable as it maximizes the yield of edible sunflower
kernels. Farmers and processors often employ various methods to optimize shelling
efficiency and increase the percentage of usable grains.
Damage
 - This refers to the proportion of sunflower that are mechanical or physically
damaged during the posthaste handling process
Aflatoxin
 These are poisonous substance produced by fungi and make the grain unfit for
consumption
 Good quality sunflower should be aflatoxin free
The process of harvesting sunflower
 Crop Assessment: Before harvesting, it's essential to assess the crop's
readiness for harvest. Factors such Preparing for the harvest involves several
important steps to ensure a successful and efficient process. Here are some
common preparations and tools used for harvesting:
 as maturity, color, size, and taste are evaluated to determine the optimal
time for harvesting.
 Equipment Check: Ensure that all harvesting equipment is in good working
condition. Check and maintain tools such as harvesters, tractors, combine
harvesters, or any specialized machinery required for the particular crop
being harvested.
 Labor and Workforce: Arrange an adequate number of skilled laborers to
assist with the harvest. Depending on the size of the crop and the specific
requirements, you may need additional workers for tasks such as picking,
sorting, or packaging
Harvesting Containers:
Prepare appropriate containers for collecting and storing the harvested produce.
These may include crates, bins, baskets, bags, or other containers suitable for
the crop being harvested.
 Harvesting Tools: The tools required for harvesting depend on the type of
crop.
Here are some common tools used:

 a. Handheld Tools: Small-scale or delicate crops often require hand tools like
shears, pruners, scissors, or knives for selective harvesting. These tools are
commonly used to harvest sunflower
 b. Scythes or Sickles: Used for cutting down sunflower crop, these tools have a
curved blade attached to a long handle.
 c. Machetes: Typically used for harvesting sunflower or other thick-stemmed crops,
machetes have a large, broad blade for swift cutting.
 d. Harvesting Machines: For larger-scale farming, mechanical equipment such as
combine harvesters, reapers, or threshers are used. These machines can efficiently
harvest and process sunflower seeds
 Safety Gear: Ensure that workers have appropriate safety gear such as gloves, boots,
hats, or protective clothing if required. This helps protect against any potential
hazards during the harvesting process.
 Storage and Transportation:
Arrange suitable storage facilities to maintain the quality and freshness of
harvested produce. Depending on the crop, this may include cold storage, drying
areas, or packing houses. Additionally, organize transportation logistics to move
the harvested crops to their intended destinations promptly.
 Harvesting care of sunflower
When harvesting sunflowers, it is important to wait until the flowers have fully
matured and the back of the flower heads have turned yellow or brown. This
indicates that the seeds are ready for harvesting. Cut the flower heads with a sharp
knife or pruning shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Hang the harvested
sunflowers upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow the seeds to fully dry
before storing or using them.
Maturity Indices
 Maturity indices for sunflower are typically determined by monitoring the
development of the flower head. One common indicator is the drying and
browning of the back of the head, known as the bracts. Additionally, the seeds in
the center of the head should be fully developed and have a dark coloration.
Harvesting of sunflower
 The harvesting of sunflowers involves cutting the mature flower heads and
collecting the seeds for various purposes such as oil extraction, food products, or
birdseed.
Sunflower Harvest & Processing
 Post harvest activities of sunflower
 Post-harvest activities for sunflowers typically involve several steps to ensure proper
handling, processing, and storage of the harvested crop. Here are some common post-
harvest activities for sunflowers:
 Harvesting: Sunflowers are typically harvested when the back of the head turns yellow and
the seeds begin to dry out. The timing of the harvest is crucial to ensure optimal seed
quality and oil content.
 Threshing: After the sunflower heads are harvested, they need to be threshed to separate
the seeds from the rest of the plant material. This can be done manually by rubbing the
heads to release the seeds or through mechanical threshers.
 Drying: Sunflower seeds contain moisture at harvest, so they need to be dried to reduce
the moisture content and prevent spoilage. The seeds can be spread out in a single layer
on a clean, dry surface or placed in a drying facility with proper ventilation until the
moisture content reaches the desired level (typically around 8-10%).
 Cleaning: Once the seeds are dried, they should be cleaned to remove any remaining plant
debris, dirt, or other impurities. This is usually done using seed-cleaning equipment such
as screens, sieves, and air blowers to achieve a clean and uniform product.
 Packaging: Sunflower seeds can be packaged in various ways, depending on
the intended market. They are commonly packed in bags, sacks, or bulk
containers for transportation and sale. The packaging materials should be
clean, durable, and moisture-proof to protect the seeds during transit and
storage.
 Processing: Sunflower seeds can undergo further processing to extract the oil.
This involves crushing or pressing the seeds to extract the oil, which can be
used for cooking, as an ingredient in food products, or for other industrial
applications. The remaining solid material, known as the cake, can be used as
animal feed.
 It's important to note that specific post-harvest activities may vary depending
on the scale of production, local practices, and intended use of the sunflower
crop.
Storage for sunflower

 Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of sunflower seeds. The

seeds should be stored in clean, dry, and well-ventilated storage facilities to
prevent moisture absorption, mold growth, or pest infestation. Ideally, the
storage temperature should be cool (around 10-15°C) to minimize the risk of
rancidity in the oil.
Sunflower Pest in the field
 One of the common pests that affect sunflower fields is the sunflower moth
(Homoeosoma nebulella). The larvae of this moth feed on the developing
seeds of sunflowers, causing damage to the crop. The adult moths lay eggs on
the flowers, and the larvae emerge and burrow into the developing seeds.
 Another pest that can impact sunflower crops is the banded sunflower moth
(Cochylis hospes). The larvae of this moth also feed on sunflower seeds,
leading to yield loss and reduced seed quality. These moths typically lay eggs
on the flower heads, and the larvae tunnel into the seeds to feeds
 Effect of birds in sunflower and their control
 Birds can have a significant impact on sunflower crops by feeding on the
seeds, leading to reduced yield and economic losses
. Control measures
 Crop rotation: Planting sunflowers in a different location each year helps break the pest's life cycle and
reduces the buildup of pest populations.
 Monitoring: Regularly inspecting the fields for signs of pest activity can help identify the presence of
moths or larvae. Monitoring can be done using pheromone traps or by visually examining the plants.
 Biological control: Introducing natural enemies of the pests, such as parasitic wasps or predatory
insects, can help reduce their populations. These natural enemies feed on the eggs or larvae of the
pests, helping to keep their numbers in check.
 Chemical control: In severe infestations, insecticides may be used to control the pests. It is important
to choose insecticides that are specifically labeled for sunflower crops and follow the instructions and
guidelines for their safe and effective use.
 Cultural practices: Proper field sanitation, including the removal of crop residues and weed control, can
help minimize pest habitat and breeding sites. Additionally, planting sunflower varieties that are more
resistant to pests can be beneficial.
 It's worth noting that pest management practices may vary depending on the specific region and the
extent of the pest problem. Consulting with local agricultural extension services or entomologists can
provide more specific guidance tailored to the area and pest issues faced by sunflower farmers.
 Pest affecting stored sunflower grains
 Some common pests that can affect stored sunflower grains are weevils, beetles, moths, mites, and
rodents.
 To manage these pests, it is essential to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness
in the storage area. Regularly inspect and monitor the stored grains for signs of
infestation. Implement appropriate temperature and humidity controls to
discourage pest activity. Consider using chemical treatments or fumigation
methods approved for sunflower grain storage. Employ proper packaging
techniques such as using airtight containers or bags to prevent pest entry.
 Stored sunflower grains disease and their managements
 One common disease affecting stored sunflower seeds is fungal infection,
particularly caused by species of Aspergillus and Fusarium. These fungi can
produce mycotoxins, which are harmful to both human and animal health.
 To manage the disease, it is important to ensure proper drying and storage
conditions, such as maintaining low moisture levels and adequate ventilation.
Additionally, regular monitoring and inspection of stored sunflower seeds for
signs of fungal growth or contamination can help in early detection and
appropriate measures to prevent further spread.
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